Jenks v. B and L Towing and Recovery
Jenks v. B and L Towing and Recovery
Trial Court Opinion
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT WESTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS FAYETTEVILLE DIVISION
TIMOTHY LEE JENKS PLAINTIFF
v. Civil No. 5:21-cv-05192
B and L TOWING and RECOVERY DEFENDANT
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE MAGISTRATE JUDGE This is a civil rights action filed by the Plaintiff pursuant to
42 U.S.C. § 1983. Plaintiff proceeds pro se and in forma pauperis (“IFP”). Pursuant to the provisions of
28 U.S.C. §§ 636(b)(1) and (3), the Honorable Timothy L. Brooks, United States District Judge, referred this case to the undersigned for the purpose of making a Report and Recommendation. I. DISCUSSION
When he filed this case, Plaintiff was incarcerated in the Benton County Detention Center (“BCDC”). On December 20, 2021, Plaintiff submitted a change of address (ECF No. 9) indicating he had been released from incarceration. All mail that had been returned as undeliverable was resent to Plaintiff’s new address in Jay, Oklahoma (ECF Nos. 10-11). On January 3, 2022, Plaintiff again filed a notice of change of address to Gentry, Arkansas (ECF No. 13). Mail sent to Plaintiff at the Jay, Oklahoma, address which was returned to the Court as undeliverable (ECF Nos. 15 & 17) was resent to Gentry, Arkansas. In accordance with the Court’s regular practice, Plaintiff was directed (ECF No. 14) to provide the Court with an updated IFP application reflecting his financial circumstances since his release in order for the Court to determine his continuing eligibility for IFP status. The new IFP form was to be returned to the Court by January 24, 2022. Plaintiff was advised that the case would be subject to dismissal if he did not submit the IFP application or pay whatever portion of the $350.00 filing fee remained. 1 Plaintiff did not submit the new IFP application by January 24, 2022, and the Order directing its filing (ECF No. 14) was not returned as undeliverable. On February 10, 2022, a Show Cause Order (ECF No. 16) was entered. Plaintiff was given until March 3, 2022, to show cause why this case should not be dismissed based on his failure to comply with the Court’s Order (ECF No. 14) directing him to submit a new IFP application. Plaintiff was advised that failure to respond to the Show Cause Order would result in the dismissal of the case. To date, Plaintiff has not responded to the Show Cause Order. He has not requested an extension of time to do so. The Show Cause Order (ECF No. 16) has not been returned as undeliverable. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure specifically contemplate dismissal of a case on the ground that the plaintiff failed to prosecute or failed to comply with an order of the court. Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(b); Line v. Wabash R.R. Co.,
370 U.S. 626, 630-31(1962) (stating that the district court possesses the power to dismiss sua sponte under Rule 41(b)). Pursuant to Rule 41(b), a district court has the power to dismiss an action based on “the plaintiff’s failure to comply with any court order.” Brown v. Frey,
806 F.2d 801, 803-04(8th Cir. 1986) (emphasis added). Additionally, Rule 5.5(c)(2) of the Local Rules for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas requires parties appearing pro se to monitor the case, and to prosecute or defend the action diligently. II. CONCLUSION For these reasons, it is recommended that, pursuant to Rule 41(b), the Plaintiff’s Complaint (ECF No. 1) be DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE based on Plaintiff’s failure to prosecute
this case, his failure to obey the orders of the Court, and his failure to comply with Local Rule 5.5(c)(2). Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(b). The parties have fourteen (14) days from receipt of the Report and Recommendation 2 in which to file written objections pursuant to
28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1). The failure to file timely objections may result in waiver of the right to appeal questions of fact. The parties are reminded that objections must be both timely and specific to trigger de novo review by the district court. DATED this 18th day of March 2022.
/s/ Christy Comstock CHRISTY COMSTOCK UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
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